Nike and LeBron James’ Controversial Sneaker Release
In the wake of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Nike and basketball superstar LeBron James have stirred up significant backlash due to a controversial sneaker release. Dubbed the LeBron XXIII “Honor the King,” this shoe is designed in shades that mirror the teal-colored sign of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, the site of Dr. King’s tragic assassination on April 4, 1968.
Embedded with the word “Equality” on the heel, this model is part of a larger collection that honors pivotal moments from LeBron’s two-decade-long NBA journey.
Commemoration or Insensitivity?
This particular colorway commemorates LeBron’s impressive 51-point game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Martin Luther King Jr. Day in 2008. However, the decision to tie the shoe to such a historically painful event has drawn criticism from many social media users, who have labeled it as insensitive or out of touch with the gravity of King’s legacy.
As noted by Sandra E. Garcia in a New York Times article, the assassination remains a harsh reminder of a dark period in Memphis’s history, which is often clouded by embarrassment regarding its connection to this national tragedy.
The Lorraine Motel and Its Legacy
The Lorraine Motel was transformed into the National Civil Rights Museum, opening its doors in 1991. Yet representatives from the museum indicated they were unaware of Nike’s shoe design until just a few days ago. This disconnect has contributed to the discourse surrounding the product’s release and its implications for perspectives on civil rights and historical commemoration.
